When I began full time at seminary I was working full time as a general manager for a restaurant. Now, I have stepped down to being a waiter, and the school workload is much easier. But the stress in my family relationships (I have a wife and two babies) is still pretty high. Finances are really tight (frankly not sure where money to support my family will come from). And my lack of free time is starting to wear, I think. Any suggestions? I would love any thoughts.
Filed under: Religion | Tagged: Christianity, finances, seminary
I’m glad to “see you back” but I’m sad to hear that you’re feeling so rough. Children are such a joy and a blessing, congratulations!
I know it sounds trite, but it’s true – lean on the Father and He will supply all your needs. My husband and I were talking last week and recalling just where each of us have been. See, before we met each of us went through tough times where he was living out of his pick-up truck and I had two small children, a dog and a car (that’s it – no home either). While we had absolutely nothing, we had all we needed and we were able to focus more on Who the Father is, and see how He works. We are incredibly blessed today and when we look back at where we were once, when each of us had lost everything and had absolutely nothing but life, we realize just how good the King of the Universe truly is. Those times were hard, but we grow in hard times and we learn to rely on the King of the Universe in hard times. It is then that we see Him prove Himself and it is then that we prove ourselves to Him – will we trust Him or will we break. It’s easier to see His hand move when there aren’t so many distractions or so much ’stuff’.
I remember my own hard days and want to encourage you because I’ve come through to the other side myself. Be strong and courageous. Trust in ADONAI and live each moment as His servant. He will NOT fail you! Love your wife and your babies and lean on the Father, He is strong enough to carry you all through this time. Don’t just “get through” this time but grow through this time – grow together in Him. It takes a lot of effort.
Like I said, I know it sounds trite but it’s true. You are a blessed man, a man chosen to give much valuable treasures to, a man who is in the midst of a test to prove your growth and allegiance. You will surely pass the test if you hang on tight to Him. You are precious enough to Him that He wants to grow you into a strong man of G-d, and not just you but your wife as well. Things are made strong by heat and pressure, and that’s when all the impurities float to the surface and the dross is taken away. Until the impurities are let go, and removed, the finished product will continue the strengthening process.
See, you know all of this and I’m just talking to hear my own self. I’ll be praying for you. Hazak, hazak, v’nit’chazek! Be strong, be strong and let us be strengthened!
lisa
thanks for the words of encouragement. yes, you are right. we must lean on HaShem. but somehow i have found this to be easier to say than to do. in theory, i believe i must trust G-d but doing it is much harder. thanks again for the comment,
peter
I know. It sounds trite and when we don’t feel like we have anything left is when we tend to hear it. I’ve been praying for you and your wife today and will continue to do so as I think of you. I remember well how those days felt.
You know, when in hard times there is always a perfect saying that “Just do your best and He will do the rest”